Archive | February, 2012

Better late than never, it looks like winter is kicking back into gear in the Northwest. Recent storm cycles have give our snowpack a badly needed boost, and backcountry ski conditions are back in top form. The above photo set is from a recent backcountry tour in Idaho. For those of you still looking for new skis, now is the… Read More

It’s been a sensitive winter for the snowpack in many regions around western North America. Shallow snowpacks and long dry spells have added up to create some touchy conditions as the numerous Colorado, Utah and recent Washington avalanche fatalities help to illustrate. Backcountry skiing is risky business, and we are all hungry for some quality powder turns. Times of elevated… Read More

Continuing with new AT boot , there are several more new boots worthy of further research. Garmont unveiled the new Cosmos four-buckle AT boot (women’s version is Celeste). Paul Parker, Garmont’s boot design consultant, gave us the full tour of the new boot, and we were impressed. It proved to be the lightest four-buckle AT boot at the show. The… Read More

Taking advantage of the curent high pressure system, I made it up for a climb on Mt. Hood yesterday. Moody Mt. Hood never fails to keep you guessing when it comes to snow conditions and weather. Despite the mild valley temps and a nearly cloudless sky, the summit of Mt. hood remained shrouded in cloud all morning, while sustained east… Read More